It’s the most wonderful time of the year…yes, Christmas is coming.

Children are excited, and parents will be ready to make the big day as special as possible.

But what do our dogs think about the tree going up, the excitement, the presents under the tree, and all the comings and goings associated with the festive season?

Well the answer is, it depends…

If your dog is confident, outgoing and sociable, they’ll likely enjoy the whole experience. However, if your dog is emotionally sensitive and enjoys a quiet, peaceful life, they may struggle to cope with everything Christmas brings. You know your dog best, so if in doubt, create a safe space where they can be left in peace with a tasty, long-lasting chew.

Despite the cost-of-living crisis, Britain’s dog owners will spend millions of pounds on gifts for their canine companions this Christmas – I’ll be one of them!  It’s lovely to see them opening presents on the big day. If your dog struggles with this, hide some treats in the gift and don’t wrap it too tight. Remember, as delightful as this is, present opening can lead to problems, especially when it comes to gifts that aren’t for them. If you have presents under your tree in the lead-up to Christmas, it’s a good idea to put a barrier around it to prevent your dog from helping themselves when no one is looking. This is especially important if there is even a chance that a box of chocolates might be amongst the gifts. Chocolate is toxic for dogs, especially dark chocolate, so please be careful.

Once the fun and chaos of the present opening is over, our attention turns to Christmas dinner. The smells coming from your kitchen is likely to attract any dog. Some are opportunistic thieves regarding food and may get under your feet, causing a tripping hazard. It’s worth considering making the kitchen a ‘no go’ area for your dog at this time, no one wants the festive feast ruined by an over-excited furry family member. You might be tempted to give your dog their own Christmas dinner, which is a lovely idea; however, fatty roast potatoes and salty gravy may well result in a mess for you to clean up on Boxing Day morning…Your dog will be just as happy with a sprinkling of turkey and carrots.

During the meal, it’s customary to pull crackers; where’s the fun in eating Christmas dinner without wearing a paper hat? However, dogs sensitive to sounds can find crackers very scary, and the tiny contents are choking hazards for dogs. Consider where your dog is before pulling one. Then we move on to Christmas pudding and mince pies. Be aware that raisins and sultanas (dried grapes) are toxic to dogs. They can be fatal even in the smallest amount. Please make sure your dog can’t access these festive treats.

Once you’ve finished eating, it’s time for the traditional post-dinner walk. This is an ideal time for you to escape the hustle and bustle and get some fresh air. It’s also an opportunity for your dog to run, sniff and play with a new toy. Once they’ve blown off some steam, your dog is more likely to settle with the family whilst you gather to watch a festive film.

Christmastime often means lots of family and friends visiting and celebrating with more alcohol than at other times. It’s important to remember that alcohol can make people behave differently, and this can be unsettling for even the most self-assured dogs. This might be another time when your dog would benefit from having access to a safe space with a long-lasting chew.

As the big day ends and the tidy-up mission starts, consider keeping hold of a few boxes and sheets of wrapping paper. Scrunching treats up in paper and hiding them in a box makes a great mentally stimulating game for your dog.

Pixie and I would like to wish everyone a very safe and happy Christmas.

Sue Ketland

Sue is a dog behaviour and training specialist at Woodgreen Pets Charity with over 30 years of experience, including 15 years in various roles within the Dog Section; she also appears on Channel 4’s The Dog House, helping to match dogs with their perfect families.

Keep your furry friend safe and sound this festive season with the ultimate peace of mind. A GPS tracker for your dog ensures you can keep tabs on their whereabouts, whether you’re enjoying a post-Christmas dinner walk or navigating the busy holiday hustle. Don’t let the excitement of the season lead to worry—discover how our GPS trackers provide real-time tracking and added security for your beloved pet

You might also like

© 2024 Pitpatpet Ltd